Sunday, December 27, 2009

Ok so it is very clear that I am not very good at keeping up with this..hahaSince my last post I have been to Seoul(only for a day but it was fun), Entertained people at my home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas(the last one was tiring but so worth it), and got a new computer(a cute little hp mini :) ). I am going to once again attempt to post pictures.Thanksgiving, everyone piled on my bed(and around it)

Its weird how calm I have been over the past few days, even though I am across the world from the rest of my family. I have realized that while I love them and will always visit them, I am a much better person when I am not around them. Mom and I are actually closer now than we have ever been. This does not mean that I plan on living the rest of my life in Korea. Just that I can honestly say, I will not be living in West Virginia. I am moving on to much bigger places(well maybe not bigger but different). I have many options for what I want to do and am hoping to get a new job before leaving here in May. Everyone, please say a prayer that I will get a position that will

Me and Jenny on Christmas Eve

allow me to use my talents in a manner pleasing to God.

It is almost the new year, and I am trying to figure out a set of resolutions. I have 2 so far, but I am not sure they are realistic. Who knows...maybe they are. lol. Anywho

Leana and Christianna on Christmas eve

I hope every one had a very Merry Christmas and will have a Happy New Year. Its almost 2010(freaky). WOOHOO!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Well, It has been a very long time since I last updated everyone. I have been to Gyeonju again(and it was fantastic).

I got to go to the Flower festival here in Daegu, with my coworker and friend Paige, at the Daegu Arboritum, which just happens to be about a 20 minute walk from where we live. We got to see so many beautiful displays of flowers. It was wonderful. Many of the flowers had been shaped into something that you could easily find in Korea. On our walk around the flowers we also got to see a black squirrel. I have only seen a couple of them here, but they are fun little creatures. They are solid black and much quicker than the squirrels around Emory(and also a little less fat...lol). It has been a good 6 months. I have lost a good bit of weight and am two weeks into a new fitness program that will hopefully allow me to drop between 10-15 lbs over an 8 week period...and also get up to running 3 miles. I would really like to do a small marathon for charity when I get back to the states and am hoping the cold winter here doesn't deter my efforts.

As for the Koreans, they do more funny things everyday. Like the random cab drivers who try to have conversations with me in Korean, because I understand what they say when they ask me where I am from, how long I have been in Korea, and how to get to where I live (I happen to live behind the Korean housing authority so most people find it easily). Its been a fun experience these past couple weeks sharing my culinary passions with friends who love to eat more than I do. I am exploring different kinds of food to make and am trying my hand at some Korean cooking too. I cant wait to come home at make some traditional korean food for everyone. Really, it tastes awesome. I had Chamchi Jiggae yesterday (thats tuna/kimchi stew) and it was really good.

The weather here is getting colder...it stays in around the 50's. I know those of you in the states may be a bit envious of this since some of you are already getting snow. Sadly, Daegu does not get much snow. so have lots of fun with all the snow you have and think of me.

I think that is all for now. Later this month I should have an update on Thanksgiving at my place for all the foreigners that I know in Daegu. We are even getting a turkey from the military base. Its pretty exciting.

Monday, September 7, 2009

I have been kind of boring lately. To save money I am only doing things in the city...I am hoping to visit and get pictures of more parks and mountains in the fall so have no fear. It is September and the temperature is still in the mid-high 80's most days....AAAHHH!!! It makes me want to live in Alaska all the more...haha.

In new news...I have two more new coworkers(well sort of). I was moved to the new branch of my school for this semester with a new coworker named Brady from WEST VIRGINIA! He is from the wheeling area so really we are no where near close to each other geographically, but still its cool to have someone to talk to about places at home. The other coworker is at the old school. His name is Jim...he is a graduated art ed major from Tuscan...very cool guy.

The new school is in a different district of the city and is about a 35 minute walk from my apartment or a 20 minute bike ride(it would take less time if it weren't for stop lights). I have taken my bike only a couple times because I sometimes just like to walk. Its nice to ensure that I am getting about an hour of exercise a day. I am down another 5 lbs from July so here's hoping I can continue and get down another 10 by the end of September to meet my goal!

Well, I think that is all for now. It has been a bit boring around on the adventure front...A lot happening on the Spiritual one though. I will update more about that later though.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Ok, so today I realized something. I haven't really explained anything about the culture in Korea. So here goes.Imagine Pop culture up a couple notches. Everything here is Cute...even the boys wear cutesy clothes. Couples outfits are very popular(they even sell couples underwear so everything can match). Everyone holds hands; child-parent(up to and past age 18), friends(guy and girl), sisters, brothers,grandparents-grandchildren...everyone! Also this is something I find very odd. Everyone wears sandals...but with socks! and usually Character socks (again something cutesy is preferable). Women even wear socks with their High Heels. I think it is crazy, but it is perfectly fine here. Also, I have never seen so much leg. Women here will wear booty shorts and skirts but wouldn't dare show their shoulders or even the tiniest bit of cleavage. As a foreigner I get stared at everywhere I go. I am also the only person here to continuously be "petted." Older women will come up to me and rub my arms and hands like I'm not real and then say something in korean that I dont understand. I can usually pick up that they are saying something about my paleness, but really its kind of annoying. My favorite thing is when they try to take pictures of you with their cell phones and think you can't tell. Its awesome. A couple friends and I always make sure to act really dumb so they have something fun to take a picture of. HAHAH.

That is just a little bit about korean culture. Really, just the things to look out for if you visit. I hope you enjoyed it.

Friday, August 14, 2009

After Hiking a while we found this. I wanted a picture with it :) At the beach...I was afraid of the sun hahah

Paige, Julia, Me in front of Grean tea

This was the view at the beginning of our hike.

Julia, Ria, Me, Paige..taken by a very nice Korean.

Ok...so these pictures were taken with a disposable camera. My camera broke the day before we left, so i had to buy one while I was there. The Four of us in the last picture took a trip for our summer vacation. It was only a couple days but we visited the Boseong Green Tea Plantation. We ate not only delicious, fresh green tea ice cream, but also Grean tea Beemanbap(a bowl of rice, meat, green tea powder, vegetables and hot sauce) and Green Tea Ramen(called Ramyeon here...it had green tea noodles and green tea spices...very tasty). We also explored Yulpo beach while there(about a 15 minute bus ride from Boseong). The beach was really big but the ocean(after walking about 20 ft. out) was still only up to my knees! It was very shallow. I later found out it was because that beach goes out very far and it is one of those sudden drop off kind of beaches. I just never found the drop (probably a good thing haha).

In the past month I have lost a coworker(she is back in the states now and we miss her alot), Moved apartments, and helped with my local church's VBS(English VBS in Korea...it was interesting).

My new apartment is HUGE! Most single apartments are like a bed, small fridge, toaster oven, closet and two burner gas stove with no oven. Mine, however, used to belong to my boss' parents so it is huge. It is on the third floor(they moved to the first because of age) and has a balcony, two full rooms, and an OVEN! This may not seem so exciting to those of you in the states, but here having an oven is unheard of(unless it is a toaster oven). We are already planning holiday parties here...haha.

Anywho. My new camera should be arriving soon. I bought it offline...and it only shipped to the US so it is being shipped to me by my parents. I am very excited. My new endevor is to find a computer that is a deal as good as that was.

In other news. I bought a bike. I big old big that weighs more than some of the kids in my hagwan...or at least it feels like it...haha. As part of getting it so cheap it already has something broken(I have owned it for less than two weeks). I am taking the plunge to fix it tomorrow morning. Wish me luck. Im off to bed to prepare for fixing a bike I know nothing about...haha. This should be interesting. At least im just taking off an added pointless part and not doing anything major.. YAY for adventures. :)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Christianna, Julia, Im in front of a giant Fish! I can almost touch it! The birds Caitlyn, Krista, Paige look like finger nails.

HANDS!

Well ovev the past couple weeks, time has flown by! First, I want to say that since being here, I have lost 23 lbs. This is very exciting news considering I have not been eating very well over the past couple of weeks. Im hoping that by the end of August I will be down at least another 15...keep your fingers crossed!

Last weekend: Four other girls from church and I went to Pohong to see the cool hand statues...thus the pictures. We swam in the freezing water of the East Sea(or you may know it as the Sea of Japan) It was a wonderful time of walking, swimming, and hanging out with weird Korean things all around.

This weekend: Friday, I saw Harry potter with two coworkers and friends. It is good. I like all the HP movies so its not really a shock that I liked this one. I also went to an orphanage and hung out with some underprivileged children on Saturday followed by the Bible study for the Singles at the church. The bible study was very interesting. Its fun to see the different ideas people have about what faith is supposed to be, instead of just feeling it out. Anywho..it was a good time. Today we had spaghetti at the after church lunch (which happens every sunday keeping me from having to cook or buy lunch). It was delicious.

A few hours ago, I made little cupcakes in my toaster oven for Paige's birthday. I even made homemade chocolate frosting...It was delicious!!! I also made salmon and a salad for dinner. It has just been a great day! well Im off. Enjoy the pictures. They took forever to fix in here right.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Wow, time flies! I am into my third month here in Daegu. Only 9 left! WOOHOO! Anywho, this saturday I did something really funny and weird. I went to a cafe called Dr. Fish. At this cafe, you pay about $5 and get access to a bar of coffee, bread, and rice water. You also get 15-25 minutes around a hole in the floor filled with water and fish that will eat the dead skin off your feet. It tickles, and feels really really weird, but after it is over you have extremely smooth feet.

Also on Saturday, I saw transformers. It was an ok blockbuster movie. Lots of action just like a good movie should...haha. After this movie I attended the 4th of July party/bible study at our church which ended with watching another movie at the end, instead of fireworks.

Monsoon season is in full swing here. It rains most evenings...but I like it. It makes the air cooler. This upcoming weekend I will be going to Pohong...a beach city that has some really cool sites to see, so hopefully there will be pictures then.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Well in the past couple weeks I have seen a few things. This past weekend I went to Gyeongju and visited a folk art village, saw some cool things, and spent about 5 hours and 10 Kilometers on a bike. Now, for some of you this seems like a normal day. FOr a very overweight woman who has been on a bike in 10 years....this was a bit daunting and painful. I dont think I have ever had such a painful butt.....hahahah. Anywho I will put up some pictures of an area around a water wheel and waterfall, a lotus garden, a building with a pagoda cut out of the middle, random tombs and some other fun things...maybe even a couple pictures not from the trip this weekend...

In other news. I am once again in the downwatd spiral of money. I found out today that I will be paying all of my student loans starting in July....this equals about $800. I make enough that if I pay that I will be able to survive...but I will also be eating only kimbap for the next month. I dont know what to do...... On top of all this. My computer is dying. I have had the blue screen of death twice and yet somehow I have saved it from complete lock down. I just dont know what to do anymore. Please pray for some guidance in money for me...

Sunday, June 14, 2009

This past Saturday...I spent about 7 hours in Seoul...the Capitol of South Korea. While I was uber excited about going, I was not excited about getting up at 6 am to get ready to leave. Krista and I got the opportunity to see the Gyeongbokgon Palace and take a lot of pictures. We did a lot of shopping and in general just had a lot of fun(believe my feet were killing me I had so much fun).

Early in the week I met up with a few people and got to discuss our bible study. It was amazing. I really enjoy having the chance to fellowship with people who are going through the exact same things. I believe God called me here to bring me into a closer relationship with him. I love my God!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Yesterday, a coworker made a copy of a speech assignment from one of his classes. It was an interview with that student and someone famous. They had to make up answers for the famous person. This was amazing. just read.

Reporter: Whats your name? Obama: My name is Obama

R: What do you think of Kim jung il? O: I think he is very crazy. I want to hit him.

R: Do you think about Nuclear weapons? O: I think Nuclears are not good weapons.

R. What do you think about scott? O: He is not good for students.

R: What do you think of mung pack? O: He is crazy man, I want to kill him.

R: Do you want to kill scott? O: No, I dont but I want to go to North Korea.

R: Do you want to go to North Korea? O: I want to fight Kim jungil if I win, I want to fight

Y.mung back next.

R: Do you want to kill yourself? O: I want to kill myself with Scott.

R: What do you think about Bush? O: Bush is not good for people.

That little exerpt was from a student that is very low in his class. Not only were the answers hilarious, but this student did a really good job for his level. I just thought I would share that.

In other news. Today I went on a 3 and a half hour hike with Krista, up to the top of a mountain. I have just uploaded pictures but im not sure if they will show up on here. The view was amazing! On the way down, both of us fell multiple times because we are both very clumsy...haha. I think i hurt my knee though, it is swollen a bit so maybe i should take some medicine for it..I dont know. Anywho, we are going out to celebrate thebirthday of a girl at church. Yay for fun times in Korea!

Monday, May 25, 2009

After an exhilerating night at the Noribong...My friends and I went to chill out at Communes. Our conversation turned to men...and one of them said "Dont settle for a bologna sandwich when you can have steak" As all women have had experience with Bologna..this statement is quite true. But what if your not a steak yourself? or what if you know someone who stupidly settled for bologna just because they got knocked up?

A certain crisis has hit my doorstep and I can do nothing about it. I want to but I cant. I am leaving it all in Gods hands. I am halfway around the world....I cant just jet back home...or call every five minutes to fix it. This gets no fixing. ONly God's purpose will shine through...right? How do people get themselves in these messes????? Bologna's are trying to ruin it for everyone.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

well!I have been in Korea for two full weeks and am beginning my third today. So far I have not gotten to visit any of the mountains around because I dont know where they are and it has been raining the past two saturdays (my time for travel). I am 90% certain that Holly will be coming for a visit over my break in July. I am very excited! I can't wait for that break. Already I am starting to wonder how I am going to last a full year. only 49 weeks left...haha

Well in other news I have joined a bible study and am reallly excited. For the first time in a long time I feel God speaking to me, through me, and around me. I feel like i'm finally moving away from being a casual christian again....And I AM HAPPY! I have a new found joy that has been missing from my life.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Well hello from the other side of the world. I am waiting until this weekend to go take pictures of everything so, after that I will be able to show you things...right now I can tell you about my life here.

I am in a tiny studio apartment that doesnt even have a couch to sit on. I have eaten more fish in the past 5 days than I have in about 2 years. IT is very warm and will continue to get warmer until august. ( its about 27 degrees celsius today)right now it is currently 9:30 am on May 6. I am on a time about 13 hours ahead of those of you in the states. I am in serious need of some jeans and have only one pair....Sad day.

Anywho...that was all random but a little view at my life here. I will tell more later.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Well, It is friday afternoon and I am sitting in my sisters Medical office BORED! I met Holly's new Boyfriend and two of his three sons last night. They are great. The middle one is hilarious!

I had to get blood drawn today and While I normally have a little problem getting it out...I have never had as much problem as I did today. I was stuck in both arms and my right hand before we finally got one vial of blood out of my left WRIST! Talk about painful. I thought it was the worst.....until.... Holly's head Dr.(Dr. Patel) decided my wrist wasn't pumping fast enough and took blood out of my foot!. Well actually more of my ankle than my foot, but still. I have a huge bruise forming on my foot and the tiny little vein that was there...is swollen. I didn't even know veins could swell like that..but alas after four sticks of needles...I finally gave blood out of my foot. Hopefully by monday I will be reassured that I am still not yet a diabetic and all my other stuff is fine too. Or maybe I will have some clarity on why I can't seem to lose weight(no comment please...lol)

Monday, April 6, 2009

It seems like just last week I was signing up to teach in Korea...now by the end of the week I should be shipping of my visa application to the Korean Embassy in DC. I am nervous and so ready to just hop on the planes and head on over. I am ready to begin this new chapter in my life. All those I love know how hard it is for me to leave them, but at least they all understand it is something I have dreamed of doing my entire life. This will give me an opportunity to travel the world, just as I have always wanted to. If I can just make through the next couple of weeks...I will be fine. Until I leave...there will be no eating out, going to movies, or even shopping for me. I have to save Every Penny I have so that I can pay for my plane ticket. Everyone say little prayers that I will be there soon! I am ready to make a difference in the lives of korean students waiting to learn the English language!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

It is so wierd to think that in just a few short weeks I will be traveling to South Korea to live for an entire year. It is kind of surreal right now. I almost don't want to believe it until I am actually there and unpacked. I think the scariest thing is the actually flights...not the part in the plane but the airports...I will be switching planes a few times and am afraid I will get lost in the airport! hahah, I know its silly...but I have to worry about something....well something other than my Korean. This weekend I sang in one wedding and attended a shower for two others. I have to say teh wedding was beautiful. Sarah looked great and Jeremy looked so happy he was about to bust. At the showers, well at times it was akward but overalll it was really nice. The girls putting it together did a great job and those of us who attended had a great time. IT was great to see everyone this weekend...especially since I wont get the chance to see them all at Homecoming in the fall! I love all my family, friends, and DOP girls so much! I will miss all of you while I'm out of the country.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

So it is official...In late May/early June...I will be leaving to teach in South Korea for 1 year....at least. If I like it I may stay longer. :) I do have some reservations...but who wouldn't when leaving the country for a year...

I worked my last day at Hallmark and am now terrified as to what I am going to do for the Next three months while trying to pay rent/bills/insurance.....its rough realizing that your money is going to be even tighter....this means no eating out, no extravegant meals....mainly eating pasta, rice, bread, cereal, and potatos....When your poor-meat loses its appeal.

Heres to hoping for a new part time job that will pay more than Hallmark did.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Within the next 7 days I will have completed at least two interviews, worked 4 days in the school system, seen steves art, visited with family, and turned 23. Its wierd that after so many months of hoping and praying to get interviews and finally find a teaching job, it is finally starting to come closer to happening. Interview 1: I am interviewing to teach english to people in Korea. I think it would be a great experience that would allow me to learn more about another culture, indulge my wish to travel abroad, and give me tools to use in my own classroom. I am also hoping that If I get this job I will be able to save enough money to comfortable pay my student loans back and not have to pay rent....that is a big plus! The only downside I have is that I wouldn't be able to be around my family which I could deal with...except I would miss my sister more than anything. Interview 2: Fairfax County Schools are amazing. They pay well, the students are well-behaved, and its in the United States. These are all pluses to the place. My big fear about this one is that they will think I am nothing but a big hick with a horrible accent. I try my best to sound better, but I say one thing that gives me away everytime. "These ones" I say it all the time....and yet everytime I think about its meaning....i think it sounds very ignorant and hillbilly. I am afraid I will not be able to change my entire accent in a few days so Hopefully my charm and wit will win them over....... :(

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

I am currently a little scared. I am almost 23 and still haven't found a permanent job. I am looking and putting in multiple applications and even have a pretty important interview in a couple weeks. Yet, I am still terrified. What if may comes and I still don't have a teaching job(I am certified in Vocal/Choral music preK-12 if you know of any positions)? I guess I will do what I should have done this year and move back home to live rent free and hold two jobs so I can pay things off. It is hard living on so little a month. Yet employers don't care as long as you don't cost them too much money.

Some nights I just cry because I know that the next week I will be living off potatoes and bread because of such low paychecks. No one really understands how it feels to be in this position. Everyone here has parents that can afford to support them, mine are so poor they can barely feed themselves because of my Brother and his wife. Here's hoping to a better time coming. Hopefully I will find a good job, cheap living and keep only the necessities. Keeping my fingers crossed.